Balloon Race with Payloads

Grade Level

Middle School, 5th-8th

Related classroom topics

Problem Solving, Propulsion with payloads

Supplies Needed

Divide Students into groups of 3-5. Each team will need:

• 1 length of 20-foot nylon string
• 2 payload baskets made from empty water bottles
• Straws with Velcro on the bottom
• 4 Helium quality balloons

Procedure

Part 1: Preparation

1. String the strings between chairs or tables as showing in the diagram. Each arrow represents a segment of the 20ft string. Two segments are equal to 20 feet. Essentially the one student is stationed at the first vertices, two at the next.

2. Thread a payload at each segment.

3. Pull the chairs apart to make string taught. Spread out with one person at each end.

4. Give each student a helium quality balloon. Ask them to inflate the balloon and attach it to the bottom of the payload bucket.

Part 2: Add the Payload

1. Use the mechanism to carry a total weight of at least 120 grams from the initial node to the final node.

2. Each student is to use their own balloon, but they share the payload bucket between nodes.

3. Students must use the balloons and payload apparatus to transfer the weight.

4. Using a balance beam, determine how many marbles it takes to represent 120 grams of weight.

5. This is a classroom competition to see which group can transfer at least 120 grams of marbles the quickest.

Possible discussion questions

• How does the balloon provide the energy for transport?
• What can help you win this contest (list at least three observations)?
• Is it better to inflate the balloon a lot or a little, and why?
• Is it better to attach the balloon parallel to the straw or at an angle? Why?
• What function is the string serving?

Extensions

Given time, allow students to redesign new ideas to optimize the time it takes to transfer the 120 grams.

Related discussion topics

Problem Solving, Propulsion, Payloads, Aerospace Engineering

Hints/Tips

Test out this experiment on your own before demonstrating it in the classroom. Ask the teacher for any possible supplies of helium at the school.